Inell's Fanfiction Archive

Willow couldn't sleep. She heard the droning beeps from the machines she was hooked into. She hadn't heard from Buffy or Xander. She had no idea if they were both laying dead somewhere. She knew that Kendra was gone, another slayer called. She closed her eyes, wishing for an answer.

Buffy waited until the nurse was busy before sneaking into Willow's room. She saw her friend laying there, pale and tired. She felt a pain in her heart. This was all her fault. Jenny was dead because of her. Her mother had found out her secret. Angel was gone, killed by her. And Willow had almost died. She felt tears in her eyes as she imagined life without the redhead. She moved closer to the bed, stopping when green eyes watched her.

"Buff?" Willow said, taking in the slayer's appearance.

"Willow" Buffy said softly, moving beside the bed. "How are you?"

"I'm going to be fine. You know me, takes more than some bookcase to kill me."

"Don't even joke about that" Buffy said, her voice low.

"What happened?" Willow asked, knowing that something was wrong.

Buffy glanced away, "I did it...he's gone."

"Oh god...Angelus?" Willow asked, reaching for Buffy's hand. She held it tightly, wishing she could take away the pain her friend was feeling.

Buffy shook her head, "No...it was Angel."

"What? The spell...it worked?"

Buffy looked at her, "What spell?"

"Xander was suppose to tell you...I tried the curse again....you were suppose to buy time...he didn't tell you?"

Buffy shook her head, not able to feel anger towards the boy. He had made her do something she should have done months before. "No. I had to kill him, Willow. It was Angel...I couldn't stop it. Everything is falling apart. The police are after me...Mom hates me...Angel is gone...I have nothing left."

"You have me." Willow said softly. "I don't like the tone in your voice, Buffy."

Buffy smiled, "I have you? Even after I almost got you killed...twice?"

"You're my best friend. You'll always have me." Willow said, her eyes showing the truth in her words.

"What did I do to deserve you?" Buffy asked softly, looking at the redhead in amazement.

"Got lucky I guess" Willow said, smiling.

"I'm leaving Sunnydale....I have to get away...Too many memories...."

"No!" Willow cried out. "You can't leave. Running never solves anything."

"I have to, Willow" Buffy said, praying her friend understood.

Willow looked away, "I don't want to be here alone....please stay?"

"I can't.....so much has happened....." Buffy trailed off, looking at her friend. She loved Willow. Since Angelus had come, she had often thought about her life. It had dawned on her after he first attacked Willow, that he knew something she was trying to ignore. He had gone after Willow first....he had recognized Buffy's love before she did.

Willow was her weakness....her greatest weakness. She'd do anything if it meant saving the redhead. She hadn't realized it was love until she and Angelus had had words a few weeks before. He had mentioned going after Willow again. She couldn't describe the anger she had felt. She had come closer that night to killing him than any other. She let eyes watch a tear go down the redhead's cheek.

"Buffy...promise me you won't go." Willow begged.

Buffy shook her head, "I have to go. I can't deal with all this now. The police...mom...Kendra and Jenny...All my fault....Angel....God Wills. The look in his eyes. I'll never forget it. He loved me and I killed him. How can I ever forgive myself?"

"Running won't make it easier."

"I'll be back. I just have to go away...give myself some time to adjust to everything. Mom kicked me out....I just feel so alone right now."

"Quit! I told you, I will always be here for you.....you're just going for the summer?"

Buffy nodded, "I can't leave Sunnydale that long....I just need some time. There are so many things I have to deal with right now...."

"Be careful...please?"

Buffy looked at Willow, her heart tightening as she realized she'd be without the girl for a few months. "Willow?"

"Yes?" Willow asked quietly, trying to understand why the thought if Buffy leaving hurt her so badly.

Buffy took a deep breath, her eyes serious, "Come with me."

**********

Willow stared at the white tiles of the hospital ceiling. She had counted them several times as she had tried to sleep. It was pointless. Sleep was illusive. She had too much on her mind to sleep.

She looked beside her and smiled slightly. Buffy was sleeping peacefully, exhaustion having overtaken her soon after her proposal for Willow to accompany her. She brushed blonde strands from her friends peaceful face.

Buffy had been through so much in the last six months. Willow often wished she could somehow take away the pain and hurt and leave some nice happy feelings in its place. She knew that wasn't possible. In a way, the pain had made Buffy grow up. She had watched her friend mature into a woman. Angelus had caused that.

Willow was glad that Angelus was gone. She felt incredibly guilty though that Angel had been the one sent to hell. She could kill Xander for not telling Buffy. Her friend had suffered so much already. She now had to deal with the memory of sending her love to hell. Willow had never met anyone braver than the slayer. Ever. Buffy was so strong. Willow was always weak. She hated it at times, but she knew what she was.

She was in love with Buffy. She didn't know quite when it happened. It just had. She had realized it when she found out that she and Angel had had sex. She had felt jealous...not because Buffy had a hottie like Angel but because Angel had taken what she wanted. She didn't think she was gay. No other woman was attractive to her. It was always just Buffy. With the slayer, it didn't matter that she was a girl. Willow loved the person that Buffy was, regardless of her sex. Had she been a man, Willow's feelings would not have changed.

She watched as Buffy's breathing became more rapid. Her friend whimpered in her sleep. Willow knew her friend would have nightmares about that night. It was inevitable. She leaned down and kissed Buffy's forehead. She heard Buffy mumble in her sleep. Startled, Willow leaned back. Had Buffy just said I love you Willow?

She was going crazy. It was just wishful thinking on her part. She watched as Buffy began to settle down as her hand slowly caressed the girl's arm. She made her decision. Her parents were in Europe for the summer. She would call them and let them know she was taking a trip. She wasn't letting Buffy leave alone. She was going with her. In the morning, she'd sneak out of the hospital. They could make some time before anyone realized that they were gone. With that settled in her mind, she felt sleep overtake her.

**********

"Gone? What do you mean gone?" Xander asked, staring at Giles.

"Gone." Giles said softly, "Just gone."

"No...she was in the hospital. They wouldn't just let her walk out." Cordelia said, disbelieving.

"It appears that her parents called and gave permission for her to check out. The hospital is unconcerned. She isn't at home."

"Then where the fuck is she?" Xander demanded.

Giles cleared his throat, "It also appears that Buffy has left too."

"Damn...well, there you have it. They left together. Why? What happened?" Xander asked.

Giles shook his head, "I don't know. I spoke to Joyce. It appears that she knows about Buffy being the slayer. She kicked Buffy out. Now, she regrets it, but she can't find Buffy. It appears that they both ran away."

"Willow wouldn't just run away" Cordelia said. "They must have decided to take a trip or something....they'll be back."

"Since when do you know Willow so well?" Xander asked his girlfriend.

"Duh, I've known her for years. Willow wouldn't run. She's probably helping Buffy is all. I assume since we are alive and the world isn't hell that Angelus is gone. Buffy must be going through her own hell right now." Cordelia observed.

"Well, yes, I assume she must. I'll give them a few days to call. If we don't hear anything, I'll start searching for them."

"They'd better call. I hate not knowing if they are alive or not" Xander said. Somehow, it made sense. He had watched his friends slowly growing closer over the last few months. He had realized that Buffy would never have anything for him besides friendly love. He had also thought that there might be more between the two girls than even they knew. He said a little prayer hoping that they would be safe until they returned to Sunnydale.

**********

Buffy sat up and watched Willow get ready for bed. They were in a small motel somewhere in Nevada. They had been on several buses since the morning. She still couldn't believe Willow had come with her. She had to smile as Willow began to wash her face. Her best friend....her love. She was so thrilled that Willow had stood by her. She could just imagine how her face had looked at dawn when Willow had woken her up. Her friend had told her to get ready, that they were leaving. Willow had called her parents and gotten their consent to leave the hospital. She had told them she was leaving for awhile, to find herself. Her mother had thrown a fit, but her father had told her to be careful and to take a credit card. Buffy couldn't believe how easy Willow's father had taken everything. It amazed her.

They had left the hospital early in the morning, going by Willow's for the girl to get what she needed. Buffy had already packed her own things before going to Willow. It was Willow's idea to take several busses and change them. They didn't know where they wanted to go exactly, so it was a good way to see several places. Plus, it provided a good diversion in case the police or someone else tried to find them.

"What are you smiling about?" Willow asked, toweling her face dry as she faced Buffy.

"Just glad you're here with me" Buffy said honestly.

"Me too." Willow replied, moving to the bed. She looked at Buffy uncertainly.

"I love you Wills." Buffy said, her eyes not leaving Willow's green eyes.

"I love you too" Willow said softly.

"Come here" Buffy called to her.

Willow moved to the bed and sat down. She watched as Buffy leaned over and kissed her softly. Sighing, Willow put her arms around her friend and hugged her tightly.

"Where should we go?" Buffy asked softly.

"How about Texas? I've always wanted to see Texas" Willow said, laying down beside her friend.

Buffy laid down and put her arms around Willow. "Texas. I like that. Texas it is. Sweet dreams, Willow."

Willow smiled, glad to finally be in Buffy's arms, "Sweet dreams Buffy. Don't worry. Things will get better."

"I know. I have you now." Buffy said, kissing Willow softly before turning off the light.

**********

MARCH 2000

"Beth, honey. Anne is here" a voice called out.

Buffy looked up and smiled at the woman, "Thanks Emma. Hey, Pops. I'm leaving now."

"You two be careful. When is that brother of yours getting back?" a old, gruffy-looking man asked.

"Tonight. Don't worry. We'll be fine." Buffy said, smiling at her boss.

Willow looked up and smiled as Buffy took off her apron. "Hey you."

"Ugh. I am so tired." Buffy said, sitting down. "You hungry?"

"Already ordered, lover of mine" Willow said.

"Good. So, how was work?" Buffy asked, leaning over and kissing her lover.

"Hmm...that was nice. Work was fine. I swear, Amanda would lose her head if I didn't know where it was" Willow said, smiling. Buffy began to talk about her day as Willow thought about the last nine months.

They had settled in a small town about an hour and a half outside of Dallas, Texas. A small town called Freedom. It seemed aptly appropriate. The town had a little over ten thousand residents. Willow went by her middle name, Anne. Buffy had decided to use her proper name, Elisabeth, or Beth. Everyone in town knew the girls and knew of their relationship. Their love was obvious. The town didn't really mind. They were both sweet girls who were never in trouble. Willow had started out as a data processor at one of the local companies. She had quickly worked her way up to Executive Assistant to the VP of Operations. She had lucked into that job. The woman who was the VP had liked her immediately so she now made over $35,000 a year just to keep things in order. Buffy worked three days a week as a receptionist for a local real estate agent and worked full time as a waitress for Pop at Pop's Coffee Shoppe. They had a nice two bedroom duplex not far from work. Most days they walked, though they did have a car now.

After they had settled down, both girls had worked to get their GEDs. That had been a momentous occasion for them both. Willow no longer spoke to her parents. She had called and told them she wasn't returning to Sunnydale and they had disowned her. They said they could forgive a month of wandering, but they would not have a daughter of theirs living who knew where without even finishing high school. Buffy hadn't spoken to her mother since that night in Sunnydale when she had been forced to make her choice. Buffy rarely spoke of her mother or that time. They both tried to forget. Willow smiled as she thought of everything else that had happened. So many surprises.

Buffy had let her hair go back to its original color, a pretty light brown that complimented her newly tanned skin. Willow's hair now fell half way down her back. She too was tanned from the Texas sun. She and Willow both ran four miles a day. She had kept up her slayer training, knowing that one day she would not be able to continue running anymore. As it was, on weekends, they went to Dallas and fought vampires. Buffy had been surprised at all the blood suckers in the big city. Willow was getting very good at fighting too she had to admit.

"Wake up, Will" Buffy said, smiling.

"Sorry. I was just remembering these last months." Willow said smiling.

"Oh" Buffy said. "They've been amazing haven't they?"

"I wouldn't trade them for anything" Willow said. She smiled as Maude brought her take out order. "Thanks, Maude."

"No problem, Anne. You two be careful. Pops said that your brother is getting back tonight, Beth. You tell that no good rascal he'd better be in tomorrow night for pie."

"I will" Buffy said, rolling her eyes. Maude had a huge crush on her 'brother'. Maude was also over sixty years old.

"You two have a good night" Maude watched as the girls left.

**********

"Honey, I'm home!" the masculine voice sang out.

Willow looked up and smiled. Buffy just rolled her eyes. "Thanks for the warning."

"Buffy, hush. How was the drive?"

"Long. And lonely. I don't want to go away like that again. You weren't there."

Willow laughed and rolled her eyes, "Whatever. At least you made it safely."

"Come here, woman" he said, pulling her up and kissing her soundly. He let her go and kissed Buffy's cheek loudly. "Hey, babe. How have things been in Freedom without me?" he asked, sitting down opposite them.

"Nice and quite" Buffy said, smiling fondly at him.

"Oh, boring then," he said smirking.

"Very dull. I don't plan on letting you leave again without us" Willow said, smiling softly.

"Oh, Maude wants you to come have a piece of pie tomorrow night."

"Cherry? My favorite," he suddenly frowned, "Well, I hate to say it, but this time the dream was right."

"Fuck me" Buffy said, losing her good mood. "Was it bad?"

"Sit back and I'll tell you all about Sunnydale" Spike said, frowning as he looked at his Red and the slayer.

March 1999

Willow laid back against the couch as Spike settled down. She watched her lover as he shifted. Whatever he had to say wasn't going to be happy, she knew suddenly.

Buffy had to smile as she saw Spike beside Willow. Their life had definitely been interesting. The two had run into Spike in a small diner outside of El Paso. He had been just sitting there, waiting for the sun. They found out that Drusilla had walked into the sun, unhappy with his betrayal. She personally would have been find leaving him to see the light, so to speak. Willow would have none of it.

Willow had forced him to go with him. Surprisingly, Spike wasn't that bad. He had proved to be a fantastic companion and he was completely devoted to Willow. Buffy had sensed his crush on her lover about three months into their arrangement. It had been rather cute at first. Then, she had seen Willow watching him when he wasn't looking. She had know that she stood a chance of losing her love. No, she couldn't say that. She knew Willow loved her completely. That was never an issue. She just thought that Willow might be interested in the vampire.

One nights things had changed. They had celebrated Willow's promotion at work with several bottles of wine. When they had woken up, Spike had taken Willow's virginity and stolen a part of her heart. Since then, he had shared their bed most nights. Buffy had never had sex with him, no desire for him in that way entering her mind. She loved him dearly, as she would a lover. He had proven his devotion often over the last several months.

"Tell me what you found" she said softly, worry on her face.

Spike leaned his head back, grateful to be home. Home. He almost laughed. Finding his home with a slayer and a mortal. Two women he loved dearly. Willow had his heart and his what soul he may have had. Buffy had his friendship and his devotion. He was lucky to have found them both when he had had. He wouldn't be alive if it weren't for them.

So, now, he was living with them both in a small Texas town. Hell, even his name had changed. Everyone in Freedom knew him as William Summers, Buffy's older brother. He had taken the damn slayer's last name. His sire would have a laughing fit at the turn of events, he knew. Thinking of his sire brought his mind back to the topic at hand. Sunnydale. The place he had had to visit due to Buffy's nightmares of late.

"The mayor is bad news. They don't have a chance in hell of defeating him alone.." Spike said softly, knowing his words were not what they wanted to hear.

Buffy heard his words and closed her eyes. She couldn't go back to Sunnydale. But, she had to. She could still remember the dream so vividly. All of her old friends, laying on the ground and bleeding. She didn't think they were dead, but in the dream she knew their death was coming. She remembered Willow crying out in pain and she remembered the worst part. Her own death.

"This Faith...she is good?" Willow asked, seeing the look on Buffy's face. She knew that her lover was having nightmares about Sunnydale, and even knew some of the details. But, Buffy was hiding something from her. She could always sense when her friend was keeping a secret.

"Yeah, but not good enough. This mayor will kill them all. They don't seem to have much of a plan. But, as I said pets, I didn't get very close."

"We have to go back" Buffy said quietly.

"Do we?" Willow asked, knowing in her heart that they did. She couldn't be responsible for having so many people die.

"You know we do" Buffy said, staring into Willow's eyes. She hadn't shared the ending of her dream with her lover. She hadn't wanted Willow to worry needlessly. But, she was scared. If this dream came true, she was going to defeat the mayor, but lose her life saving Willow's. She knew in her heart that if it ever came down to her or Willow, she'd gladly sacrifice herself. After all, Willow was still her greatest weakness. She knew she couldn't tell Will about that part of the dream. She couldn't afford to let the others die out of her own fear of death.

"You think it will really help?" Spike asked, seeing the look of dread in the girl's blue eyes. She was holding something back. That much he knew. She seemed scared, but it wasn't of this mayor character. No, something else was bothering her.

"I know it will. I can defeat this Mayor guy" Buffy said, her voice giving no room for argument.

"What's wrong, Buff?" Willow asked softly, reaching for her lover's hand.

"Nothing, Will. Just wondering how the others will react" she said quietly.

"I don't want to think about that yet. When do we have to leave?"

"In a few days....I have to give some notice." Buffy said.

"Why a notice? Pop's will let you have some time off. So will Susan, I'm sure." Willow said, her expression growing concerned.

Buffy shook her head, "No...I can't even promise I'll make it back alive."

"What?" Willow cried out, suddenly seeing the seriousness in Buffy's eyes. "No...don't even talk like that."

"She's a slayer, luv. A given part of her life is her early death" Spike said carefully, suddenly understanding the slayer was frightened she was going to die this time.

"Spike! You aren't helping" Willow said, looking straight at Buffy. "I won't let you die, so get that idea out of your head."

Buffy smiled softly, "Ok, Willow. I won't die. Now, maybe we should get some sleep. We can start making arrangements to leave at the end of the week."

"Bed sounds heavenly" Spike said, kissing Willow's neck.

Buffy groaned playfully as she followed them into their room, "I said sleep, not shag you damn nymphomaniac vampire."

"Aw, quit complimenting me pet and get into bed" Spike said, pushing Willow back onto the mattress and claiming her lips.

Buffy laughed as she began to undress. Maybe this time the dream would be wrong. Damn it, she couldn't leave Willow or even Spike for that matter. She loved them too much. It had to be wrong.

**********

"Talk to me."

"I'm fine. Just nervous" Buffy said, looking at Willow.

"Me too" Willow confessed. She looked at the road sign as they sped down the freeway. Sunnydale, 53 miles. Less than an hour. "Still having the dream?"

"Yeah" Buffy said, yawning. "I don't know. I don't always die....Maybe I'm just skitzing. I always see Spike holding you and you scream out my name...sometimes I wake up then sometimes I don't."

"I won't let you die" Willow said, her resolve face on.

Buffy laughed, "Will, if it's meant to happen, we can't change it. Oddly, it's rather satisfying to see you with Spike. I know that he'll take care of you."

"Elizabeth Anne Summers, STOP IT! You are not going to die. We have things planned this summer. Remember? Melba is having the big Fourth of July bash. And Kathy is having a baby. Jake is getting married and Laura wants us to be her bridesmaids. We have a future to look forward to. But, to move ahead, I think we have to come to terms with our past. Maybe that's what the dream means. You don't die. You just move on."

"Maybe" Buffy smiled, thinking of their new life in Freedom. She wouldn't have changed the last ten months for anything. "You're right. I mean, I don't actually die before I wake up. Besides, been there done that. I wonder how this new slayer is."

"She's a hellcat" Spike said, having not spoken during their talk. He knew the slayer was worried, but he also knew that Willow would do everything in her power to keep the girl safe and alive. "Been shagging the watcher from what I heard."

"Giles? Sex? Sex and Giles? Why am I getting queasy?" Buffy asked.

"Eww....but, for an old guy, he's is kind of cute. I do like his accent too" Willow said, smiling fondly at Spike.

"I just went to a very bad visual place." Buffy said dryly. "How are the others?"

"Eh, didn't notice. There's another watcher. He's shagging the cheerleader. The moron is dating a witch."

"Two watchers? Why do they need us?" Willow asked. She still hated the idea that they might be heading back to their deaths. But, she knew they had to what they could to protect their old friends.

"This should be fun then. I'd say if Giles is having a relationship with this Faith chick, he is no position to bad mouth our lives."

"The poof is back too" Spike said softly, knowing he had to warn the slayer.

Buffy froze, her eyes wide, "Angel? He's back?"

"Is he ok?' Willow asked, still feeling guilty for restoring his soul before he was sent to hell.

Spike snorted, "When was the poof ever ok? He's still a brooding, maudlin, whiny ass bastard."

"Same Angel then" Buffy said, smiling softly. She was glad to hear that he was ok.

"Are we ready for this?" Willow asked, putting her head on Buffy's shoulder.

"As we'll ever be" Buffy said, kissing her gently. "Love you Wills."

"Love you too Buffy." Willow said, kissing her lover back.

Spike saw them in the rearview mirror and smiled. He was a damn lucky man to have them both. Wouldn't Peaches be eaten away with jealousy? The thought made him smile even more as he glanced lovingly at his girls before watching the traffic. Sunnydale in less than an hour. Ready or not, they were going home.

**********

Giles ran his hand over his face, the words on the page bleary to his eyes. He had been staring at the book for over an hour and still he could find nothing. He sighed as he glanced at the others. "Nothing."

"Me either" Xander said, yawning. "What is it about this guy that is so elusive?"

"Actually, I just think we're unlucky." Cordelia pointed out dryly.

"Thanks, C. Nice attitude" Faith said, smiling at the girl. "Can't I just go in and kick his ass?"

Xander snorted, "Yeah and get yours killed. Sorry, Faith. This guy is bad news."

"Xander is right. Good lord. Did I actually just say that?" Giles said, frowning. The others laughed at his expression. Smiling, he shook his head. "Well, I guess wonders will never cease."

"You can say that again" Buffy said from the doorway.

They all looked up, mouths dropping open in surprise. "Buff? Is that you?"

She nodded, running a hand through her dark hair. She had let it go back to the original brown, giving her face a softer look. "Yeah, it's me. Alive and kicking."

"Where have you been?" Giles asked, wanting nothing more than to hug his slayer, but wary knowing she had run once.

"We've been in Freedom" Willow said, moving to Buffy's side. She smiled at Buffy tenderly, taking her lover's hand. She squeezed, whispering, "It's going to be fine."

Angel sat silently, a scent in the air he recognized. He couldn't place it, but it was familiar. He looked over the girls, seeing their clasped hands. He felt a pain in his heart as he realized that Buffy had finally found her true love. He waited, wondering why they were back.

"What the fuck is Freedom?" Faith asked, not knowing who these people were. Sure, she knew the names. Who hadn't heard about Buffy and Willow if they spent even a minute with the gang? But, she still didn't have to like either of them. If they were back, that meant she had lost her place.

"It's in Texas" Willow said, looking at the rude brunette. That must be Faith, the new slayer.

"You've been in Texas?" Giles said softly.

"Yes, we have." Buffy said quietly. She sighed, wondering again if they should have stayed home.

"Why are you back?" Cordelia asked bluntly.

"Damn, it's so good to see you two" Xander said, not taking his eyes off of them.

"We heard about the mayor...thought you could use some help" Willow said, not mentioning Buffy's dreams.

"We can handle it. Run along back to Texas." Faith said, frowning.

"Fine. Just thought we might help" Buffy said, glaring at the girl. She heard Giles tell her to stop. "Why? She doesn't want us here. We really don't want to be here...I just want to go back home."

"It's going to be over soon, Buff" Willow said softly, kissing her lover gently.

"Oh my god" Cordelia said, shock in her eyes as she watched the two girls kiss.

"Not God, just Spike" Spike said, smirking as he walked into the room. He winked at Buffy as he moved to Willow's side. He kissed her cheek, putting his arm around her shoulders and said, "Parked the car, luv. Did I miss anything exciting?"

"What the hell is he doing here?" Xander demanded.

Angel stiffened as he realized that familiar scent was his favorite childe. He narrowed his eyes as he watched Spike with Buffy and Willow. He was their lover, he knew instantly. Frowning slightly, he realized that Spike was Willow's lover but not Buffy's. What the hell had happened to them?

"He's with us" Buffy said, her eyes giving him room to argue.

"Kinky little bitch isn't she?" Faith said, laughing softly.

Buffy looked at Faith steadily, "I don't like you. You stay out of my way, I'll stay out of yours. Got it?"

Faith snorted, "You won't be here long enough for me to worry. Isn't running your thing B?"

Buffy cringed at the nickname. "The name is Buffy. If that is too difficult for you to say, just don't talk to me. Oooh, I love that idea."

Faith glared at her before turning sullenly to look at Giles. "Does she have to stay?"

"Faith, you know we need the help. You can't do it alone." Giles said, knowing the girl was feeling rather displaced at that very moment.

"Fine. Whatever." Faith turned her attention to Willow. "So Red, which flavor is better?"

Willow rolled her eyes at the question, settling her gaze on Giles. "We have some information but not a lot. Willing to share?"

Faith laughed, "Watch your answer, Giles. You can see what sharing means to them."

"Faith. That will be enough." Angel said softly. Faith glanced at him, a sharp look of fear and displeasure crossing her face. But, she remained silent.

"Thank you" Buffy said softly, looking at her ex for the first time since sending him to hell.

"We need to talk" Angel said quietly, his eyes not leaving her face.

"I know" she said sadly.

"Go....we can work on our notes" Willow said in Buffy's ear. She kissed her lover before smiling at Angel. "Glad you're back."

"Thanks for taking care of her" Angel said, smiling softly.

"She's mine to take care of" Willow said, her eyes flashing slightly, giving him a warning. She'd fight to keep Buffy if he intended on removing the blonde from her life.

"Always has been" Angel said, laughing softly. "We can talk in an empty classroom."

Buffy nodded, following him out of the library. Spike sat down, leaning back and putting his boots on the table. "So, who do we have to kill and how do we kill him? I have me an apple pie waiting back home."

Willow laughed as his faked accent as she sat down beside him. "You know Mabel will keep it for you, as will the other waitresses. Silly old women adore you."

"It's me charm" he said smugly.

"And here I thought it was that cute little ass and those lovely eyes" she said innocently before turning her attention to Giles and becoming serious, "What do you have on the Mayor?"

**********

"You look good" Angel said softly, his eyes roaming over his love's face.

"You too." Buffy said, feeling so happy that he was ok. She did love him, just not as much as Willow. "I am so sorry."

"Shh." Angel said, taking her hands. "It's over and done. You had no choice. I understand that."

"You're too forgiving" Buffy said, whining slightly. When she heard that, she laughed, "Ok. I'll accept and move on."

"So, you and Willow" Angel said, staring deep into her blue eyes.

Buffy smiled, "Yeah....she's my life. I love her so much....but, you knew that didn't you?"

"Before you ever did" he agreed softly.

"Yet, you still fell in love with me" Buffy said. "Why?"

"I couldn't control it. Not to sound too corny, but it was bigger than both of us." Angel smiled, "Maybe like Spike's feelings for Willow."

Buffy laughed, "Can you believe it? He adores her. Worships the ground she walks on. Hell, he puts up with me just to be around her."

"Lucky bastard" Angel said softly, his eyes caressing her laughing face.

"Angel" Buffy started. She paused, not really knowing what to say. "Can we beat the mayor?"

"Buffy, you can do anything you put your mind to. You've proven that to me over the years" Angel said.

"I don't like Faith." She said sullenly.

"Well, she's definitely not you" he said, grimacing. "But, she's good at slaying and she cares about them all. Besides, she's scared of me. I rather enjoy it."

"Traces of Angelus still around I see" Buffy said, catching herself and blushing. "I'm so sorry."

Angel surprised her by laughing and pulling her in for a hug, "I've missed you Buffy. You and Willow and hell, even Spike. You have to stay with me while y'all are in town."

"Ok. Are you sure?" Buffy asked, wondering if he had any idea what he would be getting into.

"Positive." Angel smiled, his love shining in his dark eyes. "Come on. Let's go rescue the others and head to the mansion. I can't wait to find out how Spike wormed his way into your house and into Willow's bed."

Buffy laughed, "Gawd, you're awful. I missed you too" she admitted softly before going into the library and joining Willow.

**********

Willow looked at the clouds and sighed. The sun was high overhead as she laid on the grass outside the mansion. Buffy's head was laying on her stomach as they listened to the birds sing their songs. It was a lovely Spring afternoon. They had been in Sunnydale for a week already. And they still had no definite plan to defeat the mayor. It almost seemed as if their presence wasn't needed, but their friends did seem happy to see them. Willow had noticed how Angel had even changed. His attitude much more light than it had been before. He still loved Buffy, but she was happy to see that he wasn't trying to get her back. He just wanted to be their friend.

"I miss Freedom" Buffy said, her fingers playing in the dirt as she enjoyed the day with Willow.

"Me too...." Willow agreed. "I bet Mabel is cooking up a storm today. It's Sunday brunch at her house this weekend."

Buffy turned her head and looked at Willow. "We'll get home soon."

Willow smiled, "I know. It can't take that much longer to figure out how to defeat the mayor."

"Don't get me wrong...it hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be...I sort of missed Sunnydale." Buffy said.

"But it isn't home anymore" Willow added, knowing what her lover was going to say.

Buffy smiled, "No, it isn't. Of course, home is wherever you are...if you wanted to stay..."

"No." Willow said. "I mean, it's nice to see everyone, but I couldn't move back. Freedom is our home now. We have lives and friends and work. We can enjoy the days like this, lounging in the sun, before we take care of the mayor. Then, it will be time to go home."

"Sort of like a mini vacation" Buffy said, smiling.

"Without the complimentary drinks" Willow said, laughing.

Buffy stared at her friend, "You're so beautiful. The way the sun lights your hair...it's like fire."

Willow giggled, "Thank you, sweets. Have I mentioned how much I love you today?"

"Not since this morning" Buffy said, smiling.

"Well, I do" Willow added.

"I know. I do too." Buffy said, leaning over and kissing Willow before settling her head back down and looking at the clouds.

Willow turned her attention to the sky also as they began to discuss possible attacks against the mayor. They both wanted to leave Sunnydale as soon as they could.

**********

"We got it" Giles said, re-reading the passage in the book.

Buffy looked up. "You found it?"

"Right here. The way to defeat him." Giles said. He read the passage out loud and saw some confusion on the faces of the gang.

Willow listened. They had now been in Sunnydale for two weeks. Finally, it seemed that they had a way to defeat the Mayor. Buffy was still having nightmares nightly about her death. Willow just wanted to get this battle fought and won so they could go back to Freedom. They had had so many months with out a life threatening scenario. She hadn't realized until now just how nice that had been. "So, what do we do?"

"I think that Faith and Buffy can defeat him. The rest of us will go along to fight his men. I do know he has several vampires working for him, so we will be needed."

"I thought he was immortal now" Buffy said, wondering what she had missed.

"Now he is. But, in three days he will ascend. At that time, his immortality is no more." Angel explained, reading between the lines.

"Exactly. You and Faith should be able to fight him." Giles said.

"What does this demon look like?" Faith asked, worry in her voice. Over the last two weeks, she and Buffy had set outside their differences and trained together. Once she had learned that Buffy had no intention of coming back to Sunnydale and taking her place, she was fine with the blonde slayer. If she had anyone watching her back, it would be Buffy.

"Uh well...like this" Giles folded out a sheet of paper from the book.

"Fuck me....we're dead" Xander said, staring at the enormous creature that was sketched on the pages.

Willow took Buffy's hand and squeezed. Buffy flashed her a confident grin. She had never seen that creature in her dreams. Her fear for her life finally left her. Things would be fine. "So, three days? Faith and I have a date with a snake?"

"Why do I always seem to get snakes?" Faith asked with a cocky grin.

"Just lucky I guess" Buffy shot back. This was good. She, Willow and Spike would be back in Freedom by the end of the week.

"All right, luvs. Let's mosey on back to the mansion" Spike said, his arm around Willow. "You little ladies need your rest."

"Spike, I think you've been in Texas too long" Angel said dryly at his childe's failed attempt at a southern accent.

"Besides, if you got us in bed, who'd be resting?" Willow asked with an impish grin before kissing him.

Buffy rolled her eyes, "Let's go. We can think a bit about this plan and then get some sleep."

"Yes mother" Willow and Spike said in unison, causing Buffy and Angel to laugh. The others just looked at them and shook their heads. They still didn't understand the dynamics of that threesome, and they doubted that they ever would.

**********

"Take this, Faith" Buffy yelled, throwing her fellow slayer a sword. She held her own and faced the snake that had been the mayor. She heard the sounds of fighting behind them and knew her friends were busy staking the dozens of vampires and various other demons the mayor had assisting him. Right now, she and Faith had weakened him drastically. She saw Angel moved opposite them, ready to strike. It was almost over.

"NOW!" she yelled, as all three attacked with vigor. The snake screamed as the magically enhanced swords cut into its scales. After several long moments of stabbing and cutting, she felt hands on her arms. She looked up at Angel and saw him smile.

"He's gone." Angel said simply.

"Fuckin' A. We did it!" Faith said, high fiving Buffy. She grimaced and grabbed her arm, frowning at one of the many cuts and bruises on her body.

"Come on. Let's get the others" Buffy said, smiling triumphantly. She felt Angel's arm go around her shoulders and she leaned on him. Her leg had been hurt after being thrown by the mayor. She was afraid she may have broken ankle.

The three of them entered the courtyard of the Mayor's home. Ashes littered the space, stakes on the ground from being used. Buffy saw her friends huddled in a group and knew something was wrong. She moved quickly, the pain in her ankle forgotten. "What is it?"

Giles looked up at her, his eyes sad. "They all went after her...he must have told them that she was yours...."

Buffy looked at the broken figure laying in Spike's embrace and collapsed on the ground beside her. "NO!...Willow..."

Willow dragged in a breath, her ribs hurting. She opened her eyes and looked at Buffy. She smiled, "You got him."

Buffy blinked the tears from her eyes as she took Willow's hand, "You had better not die on me Willow Rosenberg. We have the fourth of July picnic, remember?"

Willow tried to laugh but it hurt. She shook her head slowly, "Sorry, Buffy. You'll have to go alone....told you that you wouldn't die."

"Willow. I refuse to let you go!" Buffy said, her eyes taking on a desperate look. She looked at Spike who was watching silently, his arms tight around Willow, his eyes sad. "Change her!"

Spike shook his head, "I can't. She asked me not to."

"Fuck that. Change her!" Buffy cried out, her hands gripping Willow's tightly.

"No!" Willow said. Buffy looked down at her, her face grief stricken. "Spike can't change me....he won't. I asked him not to. God, I love you Buffy."

"Why not? You can't leave me...what am I going to do without you...." Buffy asked, tears dripping down her face.

"Survive. You always survive." Willow said, smiling through the pain.

"Damn it. I kept you away from him and I still got you killed!" Buffy said, her head falling to Willow's chest. "I can't live without you, Willow."

"Buffy, don't talk like that" Willow said, coughing up blood. "Go to Freedom. Promise me you will go home."

"I'm sorry...I'm so sorry...I promise." Buffy said, her hand caressing her lover's face. "Why can't he change you? Please?"

Willow shook her head, "No. Spike can't change me. Let that idea go."

"I love you, Willow...so much...always." Buffy began to sob, her head moving beside Willow's on Spike's lap. She laid beside her lover, her arms going around her bloody form as she wept for what she was going to lose. She felt Spike's hand on her back, his touch reassuring somehow. She knew he was as upset as she was, he just couldn't demonstrate it the same way. Her friends sat down, the victory forgotten, grief on their faces as they listened to the slayer's weeping fill the silent night air.

**********

Buffy smiled at Pops as she left the diner. She started the walk home, the sun beating down on her tired form. Home. She was back in Freedom. She looked at the sky, watching the clouds as she enjoyed the summer warmth. She had changed her shift at the diner, working days instead of nights. It made things much easier.

She entered the house, the smell of chocolate assaulting her senses. "I'm home."

Spike looked up from his magazine. "Thanks for the warning, slayer."

"Shut up, dead boy" Buffy said, putting her bag down. "Do I smell chocolate cake?"

"For the fourth of July picnic" Spike said, smiling slightly. He grinned as he winked, "There's even left over icing."

"Spike. Shh. That was a surprise" Willow said from the doorway.

Buffy looked at Willow and couldn't help the smile that spread across her face. After almost losing the girl those months before, every time she saw her she felt so lucky. She kissed her lover, the coolness of Willow's touch still something she was getting used to. "Morning sunshine."

"Buffy. How was work?" Willow asked, moving to sit down.

"Same old, same old" Buffy said. "A few people asking why they never see you during the day, but nothing major. They all seem use to it now."

"Good. So, they know that we'll be at the picnic tonight?" Willow asked, her head leaning against Spike.

"Yeah. Can't wait to see you. Oh, and Mabel wants to make sure that we bring both of our brothers." Buffy added, smiling at Angel as he walked out of the kitchen.

"Mabel huh? She going to give me some apple pie?" he asked, grinning. He had gone to Freedom with the three of them after they left Sunnydale. Laughing softly, he remembered being introduced to their old friends as Willow's older brother. He put his hands on Buffy's neck, beginning a light massage.

"Too much pie makes you fat" Willow said, winking at Spike.

"Fat? I am not fat" Angel argued.

"Must be why you always wear black...slims you down" Spike said laughing.

"Impudent children" Angel scoffed, smiling at them both. He looked at Willow and felt pride. It had been Spike that had finally understood what Willow had been saying that night. He couldn't change her, but Angel could. After her soul had been restored, she had told the three of them that she couldn't have Spike change her. If she had, he would have a claim over her that would have interfered in her and Buffy's love. She couldn't do that to Buffy. She had almost died being a stubborn woman. But, luckily, Angel had been able to turn her quickly enough.

"I need a shower" Buffy said, moving from the comfy place on the couch.

Willow stood, taking her hand. "I'll help. You can tell me how everyone was today."

"You, me and a shower and you expect me to discuss friends?" Buffy said, laughter in her voice.

"Well, maybe after wards" Willow said, kissing Buffy gently.

Buffy just laughed as they went to their bedroom. Willow was still her weakness, but because of it, she now had a family that she would die for. She stripped her clothes off and joined her lover in the shower. She hoped that Angel had made some more of the raspberry cupcakes she was so fond of. Something to tide her over until the picnic. She met Willow's kiss, the picnic and cupcakes fleeing her mind.

THE END